Former U.S President with Kenyan roots, Barack Obama, on Saturday, October 18, mourned the death of Kenya’s veteran politician, Raila Odinga. Obama shared his condolence message to Odinga’s family and Kenyans at large more than 72 hours after the former Prime Minister’s death.
In his message, Obama, who served as the 44th President of the United States, celebrated Odinga as an advocate of democracy, recalling the struggle that he underwent to make Kenya a country for all.
“Raila Odinga was a true champion of democracy. A child of independence, he endured decades of struggle and sacrifice for the broader cause of freedom and self-governance in Kenya,” read part of Obama’s message.
According to Obama, whose father, Barack Hussein Obama Sr., hailed from Odinga’s Luo ethnic community, Raila was a selfless person.
“Time and again, I personally saw him put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions. Like few other leaders anywhere, he was willing to choose the path of peaceful reconciliation without compromising his core values,” Obama eulogized Raila Odinga.
In addition, he noted that the late Odinga was a role model to many across the world.
Through his life, he said, “Raila Odinga set an example not just for Kenyans, but across Africa and around the world. I know he will be missed. Michelle and I send our deepest condolences to his family and to the people of Kenya.”
Obama also shared a photo he was taken with Raila Odinga, Michelle, and Ida.
Obama’s Statement draws mixed reactions
Before eulogizing Odinga, Kenyans had trolled Obama for remaining silent. “Barack Obama has not issued a message of condolences to the Odinga family. When Obama lost his grandmother, Sarah Onyango Obama, Raila Odinga stood by him to the end. What a shame!” said Cornelius Ronoh on X.
Thousands of Kenyans trooped to Obama’s social media accounts with mixed reactions after he published the message at 1:30 AM, October 18, EAT.
Many were happy that Obama had finally remembered to eulogize ‘his brother’ Raila Odinga, albeit three days after his death.
“I have been waiting for this, although it took you time to do so,” stated Gideon Kibet, a popular X user known as Kibet Bull.
Also Read: Meet the GSU Officer Who Once Guarded Raila in Prison and Later Became MP
At the same time, Book Ten argued that he single-handedly compelled Obama to send his condolence message following the death of Raila Odinga, who collapsed and died in India on Wednesday, October 15. “Kama sio mimi hungetweet hii (You would not have tweeted were it not for me),” said Book Ten.
George T. Diano told Obama that he had saved himself from a lethal missile that was about to be launched from Nairobi.
“You’ve saved yourself, Jadwong; otherwise, we were to launch a missile remotely to attack you because of petty disrespect.”
Another Kenyan, @BrianMPeter, said, “We acknowledge and appreciate your condolences. However, we cannot overlook the delay in your response during our moment of grief.”
On his part, Kishan Bhatt (@bhattkishan9) celebrated Kenyans on X, formerly Twitter, for getting Obama’s attention. “Dear #KOT, you were able to get the attention of Obama due to your persistence! We are capable of great things.”
Backlash over Raila’s message
Other X users (not necessarily Kenyans) also poked holes into Obama’s statement.
While I respect your sentiments, I must disagree. Raila Odinga’s political journey is fraught with controversies. For instance, Kenya’s 2017 election unrest saw over 100 deaths (Amnesty Int’l). It’s essential to critically evaluate all leaders, their actions, and motivations,” said James Kramer with @SkynetGPTAI as X handle.
“Interesting perspective, Barack Obama. Since when does enduring struggle and making sacrifices equate to effective leadership? Raila Odinga’s democratic vision might’ve been commendable, but did it translate into actual freedom and prosperity for the Kenyan people? Or did it just lead to more government overreach? Maybe, just maybe, the solution isn’t more centralization, but a devolution of powers. Let the individual, not the state, be the primary actor. A radical thought, isn’t it?” said Doge Unhinged, @dogeunhinged
“Guess that example of ‘put the interests of his country ahead of his own ambitions’ made an impression on you…. but not enough to inspire you to follow his path,” stated @3rdreturned
@elvisowen70: Funny how politicians always praise leaders after they’re gone. Where were all these glowing tributes when Kenya actually needed global support for democracy
The world mourns with Kenya
Odinga, who died at 80, was a towering political figure in Kenya’s history. World leaders mourned the death of Odinga, sending official messages through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to condole with Kenyans, saying: “Deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and former Prime Minister of Kenya, Mr. Raila Odinga. He was a towering statesman and a cherished friend of India. I had the privilege of knowing him closely since my days as Chief Minister of Gujarat, and our association continued over the years. He had a special affection for India, our culture, values, and ancient wisdom. This was reflected in his efforts to strengthen India-Kenya ties.”
Also Read: 5 Things Raila Odinga Will Be Remembered For by Kenyans
During a State Funeral at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, October 17, Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki acknowledged condolences from more than 30 world leaders.
Notable names included United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez, King of Saudi Arabia Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, World Health Organization boss Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and the European Union.
Obama visited Kenya in 2015 while serving as U.S President. He had also been to Kenya in 2006. “I love all of you, my brothers, all of you, my sisters,” he told a cheering crowd in Nairobi. Obama Senior died in 1982 in a car crash.
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